Testimonials
In these turbulent times, uncertainty regarding job opportunities and corporate stability in biotechnology creates pause for individuals seeking to contribute to this dynamic industry. Such individuals may be recent graduates or seasoned professionals with talents spanning life sciences, business development, finance, human resources and intellectual property law. Recognizing these concerns, author Toby Freedman, drawing upon her experience as an executive recruiter and interviews with over 200 industry professionals/executives, presents a comprehensive analysis of career pathways relevant to biotechnology and drug development.

Career Opportunites in Biotechnology and Drug Development is presented in two parts. Part one focuses on landing a job in industry. In this section, strategies are presented for finding entry into biotech, preparing a functional resume and preparing for and performing in interviews. In part two, opportunities in the various sectors relevant to biotech are presented. The book is extremely easy to navigate and provides insight on virtually all contributing components of this diverse field.

In addition to supporting my insights regarding corporate structure and available career pathways, this book opened my mind to areas, ancillary to my expertise, where strong and relevant contributions can be made. I highly recommend Career Opportunites in Biotechnology and Drug Development to both newcomers and experienced individuals desiring to participate in this exciting industry.

- Dan Levy, Ph.D.

Career Opportunities in Biotechnology and Drug Development by Toby Freedman, Ph.D. is an invaluable tool for anyone pursuing a new career or currently working in biopharma.

Applying for a job is a job in itself. When starting this process, it is difficult to remember everything that needs to be researched and considered for this important life decision. Executive support Web sites like TheLadders.com offer helpful pieces of information, but in this book Dr. Freedman seems to have included everything the job-seeker needs.

The writing style is direct and personal, allowing for quick and enjoyable reading. By the end of Chapter 3, the reader can have a personalized list of to-do items that will increase confidence, and set a realistic expectation of the job seeking experience. Chapter 5 covers the Informational Interview concept. It is a key step in networking that I first learned after paying a career consultant $3,000 after I left clinical practice. Networking is how many people gain entry into biopharma. Part 1 of this book prepares the reader to start networking effectively.

Part II of the book is chaptered by career area over the life cycle of the biopharma product. The reader will gain a clear understanding of each step and how they depend on each other. Chapters are full of definitions and detailed explanations of each role, as well as educational and experience requirements for candidates. Each chapter creates a day-in-the-life-of-this-job picture with pros and cons of the job. Section titles such as "Are You a Good Candidate for Regulatory Affairs?" help readers match position requirements with their personal traits. There is even a list of personal characteristics in each chapter to help rule out a position.

I read the career chapters out of order, starting with the career paths I had always intended to explore. Within the first few paragraphs of each chapter, I was able to decide if this position could work for me. Some of the positions that have always sounded like a fit for me by their name were not even close after gaining the full picture.

Relative salaries and potential career path / job security coverage is realistic and helpful. There is equal weight of discussion across positions from Basic Research roles to CEO and from Discovery stage to Commercial Operations. It even includes Law, Recruiting, and Consulting roles, and advice for non-scientists.

Dr. Freedman interviewed more than 200 people working in biopharma to write this book. In a few hours, readers can leverage this extensive experience for their career planning.

I am making the transition from a career in Hitech to Biotech and found this book to be an amazing resource. First of all, there are techniques for the proper structure and format of your resume as required by this particular field.

The bulk of the book consists of detailed reviews, containing both positive and negative attributes, of all the roles (jobs) that the biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industries have to offer. Unlike most career books this book contains not only the roles and responsibilities but also illuminates the downside or negatives that accompany some positions. Therefore it will greatly help someone entering the field to avoid making a large effort and investment to get a certain type of position only to later find out that they are not tempermentally suited for it. The book is clearly and concisely written with a minimum of fluff but does not get too dry either. A must-have book for anyone thinking of entering the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. I give it five stars.